Director of Policy & Advocacy

Job Description

Job Description

Woodstock Institute
Woodstock Institute is a leading nonprofit research and policy organization that works to create a safe and equitable financial system, especially for lower-income people and communities of color. Woodstock partners with community and philanthropic groups, financial institutions, and policymakers to effect change at national, state, and local levels. As a leading consumer advocacy organization, Woodstock builds bridges between key policymakers and affected consumers in low- and moderate-income areas and communities of color.

The Position:
The Director of Policy and Advocacy (Director) reports to the President and Chief Executive Officer and leads Woodstocks policy advocacy and government relations work at the local, state, and national levels. The Director supervises the Advocacy Associate and collaborates with the Director of Applied Research in helping to set the organizations research agenda and develops and disseminates the organizations policy positions. Recognizing that successful advocacy can depend on effective communication, the Director assists with the development and implementation of communications plans. Travel to Springfield, Illinois, and Washington, D.C. is necessary. The amount of travel depends on several factors two of these being the extent to which Woodstocks policy priorities are at play and the extent to which boots-on-the-ground are available.

The Director leads Woodstocks state and national coalition work, builds and manages relationships with colleague organizations, and assists with fundraising. This is a full-time position located in Chicago with a competitive salary, professional development, and generous benefits including an employer-sponsored matched retirement program.

A major element of the role is writing, and thus, exemplary writing skills are essential. Past directors have drafted research reports, OpEds, letters to the editor, speeches, articles, testimony, and fact sheets. The Director is expected to uphold Woodstocks reputation for work product of the highest quality.

Other essential qualities for the role include strong interpersonal communication skills, solid writing, and excellent project management skills. Also needed are the ability to translate complex ideas and to thrive as part of a small team.

Key Organizational Relationships:

• Reports to the President & CEO
• Close collaborative working relationship with the President & CEO, Director of Applied Research, and Director of Development and Communications
• Supervises Advocacy Associate and manages any contract lobbyists.
• Build and maintain good relationships with coalition partners, legislators, regulators and journalists.
• Presents to the Woodstock Institute Board of Directors on a quarterly basis and manages the Boards Policy Committee

Duties and Responsibilities:

• Lead policy/advocacy initiatives at the local, state, and national levels, including trips to Springfield, IL, and Washington, D.C.
• Coordinate, facilitate and participate in lobbying meetings with local, state, and federal elected officials
• Participate in regulatory rulemaking process, including drafting and submitting comment letters
• Draft fact sheets and policy briefs, analyze policy proposals, and track local, state, and federal legislation relevant to Woodstocks priorities
• Conduct or assist research team with data analysis; develop policy recommendations for research reports
• Build and strengthen relationships with community organizations, coalition partners, and policymakers
• Write blogs, newsletter articles, and press releases; assist with media relations and conduct interviews with media; contribute to Woodstocks social media presence
• Assist with developing and maintaining relationships with funders and donors
• Work with board and staff to implement the organizations strategic plan
• Build, organize and convene coalitions to advance the policy agenda
• Represent Woodstock Institute in partner organizations coalitions
• Directs planning, publicizing, presenting at, and/or logistics for policy-related events and briefings
• Conduct presentations at meetings and conferences

Other:

• Event fundraising; help increase turnout and ensure a successful event
• On a limited basis, write and submit grant proposals and reports
• Especially when the Illinois General Assembly is in Session, the Director will attend work-related events outside regular work hours in evenings and on some

Qualification / Requirements:

• Bachelor's degree in public policy, urban planning, economics, or related field, and at least five years experience in policy advocacy, government relations, and state or national coalitions, including drafting comments on proposed rules and legislation and providing testimony and public presentations. Masters degree or law degree preferred.
• Familiarity with financial justice issues, such as high-cost lending and consumer protection; access to safe and affordable personal and small business credit and basic accounts; student loan debt and access to quality higher education; barriers to jobs and worker economic security; fair and affordable housing and home ownership; the Community Reinvestment Act; the Dodd-Frank Act; retirement savings, child savings accounts, and other avenues for asset building; and closing the wealth gap for marginalized populations.
• Ability to work effectively and independently under the pressure of multiple tight deadlines and budgetary constraints
• Collaborative mindset and creativity to leverage new opportunities and moments of uncertainty to achieve progress
• Excellent written and spoken English language communications skills, very detail-oriented
• Strong commitment to economic and social justice issues, as evidenced by previous professional and/or personal work
• Ambitious, self-motivated, and able to work independently and effectively in a fast-paced, campaign-like environment

Preferred:

• Foreign language skills, Spanish ability a plus but not required.

Salary:

• $100,000 to $150,000 salary depending on experience and qualifications
• 5 weeks paid vacation; 403b retirement; health insurance (medical, dental and vision)

How to Apply
Please submit a resume and cover letter to [email protected]. Applications are being accepted on a rolling basis until a candidate is hired.

Woodstock Institute is an equal opportunity employer and strongly encourages qualified applicants from diverse backgrounds and protected classes to apply.